Marine Industry Challenges – Workers Compensation/USL&H

A growing concern for some in the marine industry is the challenge of obtaining Workers Compensation insurance with USL&H for their business. Most yards have requirements that all contractors maintain Workers Compensation insurance in order to work on their premise. Without meeting such requirements, contractors sacrifice the ability to work and generate revenue. Workers Compensation has grown increasingly difficult due to regulation that impacts the industry and, consequently, the availability of such coverage.

The challenge in placing Workers Compensation coverage lies in an endorsement to the policy mandated by the United States Longshore & Harborworkers’ Compensation Act (USL&H). This federal law was enacted to provide benefits for injured employees when working on or near navigable waters of the US and engaged in maritime employment. The act covers employees in traditional maritime occupations such as longshore workers, ship-repairers, shipbuilders, and harbor construction workers, but only if they are employed to work on the navigable waters of the US or adjoining areas, including piers, docks, terminals, wharves, and those areas used in loading and unloading vessels. Non-martime employees may also need to be covered if they perform their work on navigable water.

There are exclusions to the Act for the following individuals if covered under state act Workers Compensation:

Individuals employed by a marina and who are not engaged in construction, replacement, or expansion of such marina (except for routine maintenance)

Individuals who (i) are employed by suppliers, transporters, or vendors, (ii) are temporarily doing business on the premises of an employer whose employees are employed in maritime employment, and (iii) are not engaged in work normally performed by employees of that employer under this Act

Aquaculture workers

Individuals employed to build any recreational vessel under sixty-five feet in length, or individuals employed to repair any recreational vessel, or to dismantle any part of a recreational vessel in connection with the repair of such vessel

A master or member of a crew of any vessel

Any person engaged by a master to load or unload or repair any small vessel under eighteen tons net

Employees of the US government or of any state or foreign government

The act includes penalties for failure to maintain coverage including misdemeanors, fines, imprisonment and personal liability for any compensation or other benefit which may accrue in respect to any employee injury.

Maintaining such coverage is necessary for all employers who qualify however, the pool of insurers willing to offer this coverage is much smaller than those offering state act Workers Compensation. Further, most carriers that offer USL&H coverage have $10,000 minimum premiums. Meaning, if you only have a couple employees or do incidental work that qualifies, it is difficult to find proper coverage. If you fall below these thresholds, it is important to speak with a broker that knows how to work through these challenges and get you compliant ASAP.

Biscayne Risk & Insurance Group understands the costs of not being properly covered. We will work to assess your company’s risk and negotiate the appropriate insurance terms on your behalf. Contact one of our advisors to navigate the process. We will make sure you understand your options as we put you in the best position to obtain coverage.